Mompha propinquella

Description

Mompha propinquella is a moth in the Momphidae family. It is found in most of Europe, except the Mediterranean islands and most of the Balkan Peninsula. The wingspan is 10–12 mm. Adults are on wing from the end of June to mid-September in one generation per year. The larvae feed on Epilobium hirsutum and Epilobium montanum. They mine the leaves of their host plant. The mine consists of a large full depth blotch in the lower leaves. Most frass is deposited in coarse grains. The larva can make several mines. Pupation either in the mine or in the ground. The larva may leave the mine and restart elsewhere. Pupation takes place inside the mine or in the ground. Larvae can be found in early spring. They are brownish red with a black head. The species overwinters in the larval stage.